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1923 Map of Bell

Name: 1923 Topographic Map of Bell
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1923
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1923

About this map

Los Angeles River and Rio Hondo define the landscape of this region during a period of rapid development and agricultural transition. The map records a dense network of early suburban gridiron streets in Maywood and Bell, contrasting with the more open acreage of the County Farm and the scattered ranchos of Santa Gertrudes. The influence of the nascent petroleum industry is evidenced by the Rio Grande Oil Co facilities near Vinevale.

Transportation infrastructure was critical to this era, with the Pacific Electric lines and the Southern Pacific Railroad crisscrossing the plains to connect these growing communities. Local life is documented through numerous neighborhood institutions, including the Old River School, Gallatin School, and the Old Downey Cemetery. The intersection of rail, river, and early roads like Anaheim Telegraph Road illustrates the geographic foundation of modern Los Angeles County.